I agree with you Corporal, I trust this mare with my live quite literally (that might sound kind of cheesy but I don't say that about many horses.) Her canters is god awful but I know that my trainer (along with my mom) will break her to walk trot and do some cantering in the cart in case she should ever spook or break stride our trainer trains the horses to pull consistently through the different gaits so they wouldn't scare themselves even more or get into more trouble. I'm glad to know that others drive their QH's! My trainer left quarter horses a long time ago and now does morgans (and we have a Frisian who we drive) but many people don't drive their QHs around here so I sometimes feel a bit awkward trying to explain to people that I'm teaching my mare to drive.... honestly some people don't believe the QH's can drive... :P

I'm wanting MY QH to drive. I'm planning on saving up and shipping him to my Amish farrier for drive training next year. I want him to be safe enough for his 10yo son to drive before I get him back, again. Since he knows my horse I should get what I want!
Seriously, driving is so different from riding. IMHO, you have to trust your horse MORE when driving that when riding bc you sit full behind him when he pulls.
Any horse that trots can drive well and QH's make excellent driving horses. The trot pulls evenly, whereas the cart/carriage will jerk when the horse canters while driving.

It really depends on several different things Corporal. I have let, but not very often, my Percherons to canter up a hill if it is steep, and in some vehicles I got the jerk that you speak of, where others I did not. It also has to do with the tugs that are attached to the swingletree.

As for the trust, that goes both ways. You have to trust the animal in front of you and they have to trust you to keep them out of harm or not ask them to do something that isn't safe. I have complete trust in my team and it is an awesome feeling, they have never let me down, they work hard and I can't tell you the feeling I get when we do a good day of teaching or driving.

Interesting.
The ONLY thing I should mention is that some QH's, like mine, get nervous and freeze when frightened. Don't misinterpret this for stubbornness, although mine is also a little lazy.
Just take your time training him.

Yeah I know she's in good hands! I think the only problem she'll have will be the blinders, and I've always joked with my trainer that one day I'm gonna teach my horse to drive and make her take the maiden voyage in the cart so I don't have to get the brunt of any possible attack (jk). (I've always bartered off my work over the years for small stuff off our board, and some training stuff she's helped me with our other horse.) When I got hurt i asked her if she'd be willing to help my mom do this and she said of course.... now if only I could convince her to let me keep a Clydesdale at her place.... hmmmmmm......any ideas on THAT one?

Driving is also the best way to share your horse/s and remain in control. I've driven several QHs and have a team up and coming. Starting with the first this year and will start the second late next year. They are father and son and should be as close to perfectly matched as you can get. Any horse with a sound mind can drive. All of my overnight trail rides were rides where most everyone was driving a vehicle of some sort. Made it really nice for having everything you needed and spending time with those that were riding with you..

hiya i think you have got quite a lot of feed back from drivers with quater horses.
all i can say no question is silly and its great to ask and get feed back.
im sorry to hear about your knee and hope you get well soon.
well i have done the opersite i have a fractured shoulder on my socket but i get through the pain but im healing slowley.
take care and get well soon.
and i hope you get your horse broken to harness.

Thank you! After my surgery a few days ago the doctor came out and said it went better than expected and I could put weight on it so long as it was in a brace. We're starting to work my mare and a few days ago my mom worked with her in the roundpen and we started putting a crupper on. michaelvanessa thank you so much and I hope you get better as well! :)

Thank you! After my surgery a few days ago the doctor came out and said it went better than expected and I could put weight on it so long as it was in a brace. We're starting to work my mare and a few days ago my mom worked with her in the roundpen and we started putting a crupper on. michaelvanessa thank you so much and I hope you get better as well! :)

hiya and you to i had to laugh so i called this one an arm and a leg.
i am geting a lot more movement so i hope to get back in the saddle and also driveing ill wish you all the best and its been nice chating to you.

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